These days it’s difficult to look at our phones or pick up a newspaper without seeing doom and gloom headlines. Between the economy, politics and world conflicts, it can feel a little daunting to be a business owner. Especially a business owner in a pay for service health care industry.
How do we insulate our business during challenging times?
Your number one priority must be your own health. If you are unhealthy your practice can not function at 100% capacity. How does one stay healthy with a busy schedule?
- Rest your body. Ensure that you set yourself up for at least 7 hours of sleep a night. There is endless research on the correlation between sleep, health and longevity. Put the screens away an hour before you try to sleep. That email can wait until the morning!
- Fuel your body. Ensure you drink water during the day while you’re taking care of your patients. Bring your protein packed lunch to help you avoid food courts and drive thru’s during your lunch break.
- Rest your mind. Dentistry is a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging profession. To be at your best self every day it’s critical to take care of your mind. Watch any negative self talk, doom scrolling, and worst-case scenario day dreams. Instead, focus on mindful, calming activities to help reset your nervous system.
- Connect with friends and family. Research shows that connection with others doing enjoyable activities is the perfect antidote to the stress of everyday life.
Your next priority is your team. Only when your employees feel valued and respected for the work they do can they provide the best service for your patients.
How do you do this?
- Set them up for success. When onboarding new employees ensure that they receive the support and guidance they need to successfully integrate into your team. The 3-month probationary period should not be viewed as a ‘grace’ period. It should instead be considered the time for you and your team to be at their best so that your new employee becomes fully engaged.
- Let the systems and protocols do their job. Practices with efficient systems deal with far fewer conflicts and ‘drama.’ Each employee in a dental practice has a specific job to do. No one is floating around with nothing to do. The systems allow each person to flourish in their role.
- Show appreciation. Research shows that while money is needed to survive, and a person’s wage should be commensurate with their experience, performance, the market etc, the truth is that money is not the main motivator. People crave appreciation and autonomy. The occasional ‘thanks for a great day’ may be all that is needed. Autonomy means I am trusted to do my work without someone looking over my shoulder. Prioritize appreciation and autonomy and watch your team thrive.
- Provide your team with the tools needed for exceptional communication. Patients are feeling these turbulent times too. Just like us, they are being careful about where they spend their hard-earned pay cheque. It is our responsibility to provide them with the information they need to choose to spend money on their health. If we don’t have the tools to do this effectively, then patients are more likely to defer treatment if their insurance doesn’t cover it.
If this all sounds good, but daunting, we understand! Reach out today to learn how you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of Dental Consultants at Tayden Consulting Inc. specialize in
providing on-site coaching to create the optimal experience for your patients,
and the most efficient systems for your team.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
We look forward to meeting you.